Mona School of Business and Management (MSBM) in partnership with Women in Logistics and Transport (WiLAT), hosted a webinar with the theme “The Impact of COVID-19 Pandemic on Supply Chains and Logistics in Jamaica” on Wednesday, November 24, 2021. Highlighting a panel of experts from the industry, discussion focused on how areas are being affected and resulting in inflation. The proceedings also featured a question and answer session with local and international participants. The event brings to light the need for structured discussions, between the Government and the Private Sector, on logistics and transport issues to develop a collaborative management strategy.
Dr. Blossom O’Meally-Nelson, Founding Chairman of WiLAT Caribbean gave the keynote address outlining current issues impacting logistics and supply chains globally, as a result of the various lockdowns and interruptions in production in response to the COVID -19 Pandemic. The keynote address set the stage for a vibrant panel discussion driven by practitioners in business.
The Panel Discussion was moderated by Lanny Mayne, Managing Director of Connect Management Services Limited. The panellists included Mrs. Andrea Cowan, Chief Executive Officer of Lillan Limited; Mr. Lloyd Distant, President of Jamaica Chamber of Commerce; Mr. Ian Kelley, Chief Financial Officer of Derrimon Trading Company Limited; Mr. Edmond Marsh, Consultant. Logistics and Supply Chain Management and Mr. Earl Stewart, Director of Research and Planning, Jamaica Customs Agency.
Notably, the consensus from the Panel Discussion was that plans should be put in place to stimulate more research and an analysis of existing data to inform effective responses; companies and agencies need to implement IT systems that will facilitate greater efficiency in the management of supply chains, and that there is need for greater public education on the significance of the supply chain and logistics. Feedback indicated a demand for a follow-up Webinar with wider participation.
The current Pandemic and the challenges experienced globally with the supply chain has fast tracked well needed changes in the industry and indeed would have created new approaches to the industry.
This webinar is a continuation of several hosted by MSBM, as part of its aim to provide relevant information on topical business and management issues.
WiLAT Caribbean was launched on July 21, 2021, as a member of a global movement of women in Logistics. WiLAT started in Nigeria in 2010 and has spread across the globe to 31 countries with just over 3,000 members and growing. WiLAT is the women’s forum within the professional body of the Chartered Institute of Logistics and Transport, headquarters in the United Kingdom. The Mission of WiLAT globally is to promote the status of women in supply chain, logistics, and supply transport, to bring together those who support the talent and career development of women, and to provide a supporting network and mentoring opportunities for women in the sector.